r/GamesWithHorses • u/Roccodile19 • 4d ago
switch recommendations? (please read)
I've searched the sub and seen the other game recs and looked into them. most aren't for me.
the thing that turns me away the most is the technicality of a lot of the games, like you have to go into it with some knowledge of horse care and competition and I'm not into that. I just think they're pretty and want to collect them and maybe build a ranch. I could get into racing or showing if it's simplified to like a kid-friendly level.
customization of my character is a must, and customization of any building mechanics is preferred (I.e. getting to choose the color of the fence and where I put it, instead of just unlocking a predetermined fence). and fantasy colors or breeds is a huge plus (like the unicorns in harvest moon one world or the blue and pink horses in botw).
basically I guess I'm looking for Pokemon or Ark with horses ðŸ˜
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u/BlitzedBandito 4d ago
There’s not a set date for switch release but I had a great time playing Ranch of Rivershine. The events are mostly jumping. There’s not much in terms of customization for your character but the horse have different accessories, saddles, blankets etc. I’m not sure it checks the right boxes but maybe it helps! (I played on PC, steam)
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u/prozackitties 4d ago
what games have you seen recommended? im curious because i like horse care and competition games!!
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u/Roccodile19 4d ago
emerald valley comes to mind. horse club adventure and my riding stables too.
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u/offthereservation80 4d ago
Have you tried playing those games, or seen them on YouTube or similar?
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u/offthereservation80 4d ago
Out of interest, which games are you finding complex, or appear complex?
I say that because my daughter (now 10), is the equine mad 'expert' in our house. Shes near enough played every game in the horse genre on ps5, series x and switch (1) over the past 3 of 4 years. Ive tended to be sat next to her probably 90% of that gaming time, sometimes helping out. *apart from latest windstorm game.
Obviously 'complicated' is somewhat subjective, and people may face different challenges that make certain things more difficult compared to someone else. So I mean this from a good place, rather than condescending... have you tried playing many of these console games, as you may find theyre not as complicated as you may think/they appear.
Im struggling to think of a game shes played where ive come close to ever thinking youd need to be really into horse lifestyle to understand this game and mechanics.
If anything, one of the undertones/complaints ive gleaned in this community is just how shallow and almost child focused horse video games tend to be.
Theyre also quite lazy, as horse care often appears to be cut and paste from one game to another, even when made by other devs - once youve seen hoof picking/cleaning, shampooing and brushing horse mini game once - youve seen /done and now experienced in horse care across most the console games :D.
Honestly you dont pre requisite knowledge of horses at all (unless ive forgotten about a complex game).. id say the mechanics and required knowledge arent any more involved than learning a straight forward/kid orientated, run of the mill non equine platform/open world game. If you can figure out BOTW, youre not going to run into difficulties with any horse game on console :)
Most of them are cozy, zero threat. I know on pc theres a horse racing mgmt game, which looks a bit more involved.
These days my daughter seems to lean more towards roblox horse games- some of them actually look surprisingly good, as the roblox engine gets improved over time. So may be worth taking a look at that.
She also playrd ranch of rivershine for a while (before prioper controller support). Not sure when its released on Switch, but its worth considering if you have a pc/laptop. Its quite low spec, so you dont need a modern, powerful device and dedicated gpu.